November existing-home sales 4.68 million per year

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4:00 am PST, Thursday, December 23, 2010

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November existing-home sales 4.68 million per year

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4.68 million per year

That's the rate for existing-home sales in November, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales were up 5.6 percent from October but fell short of analysts' forecasts. While lower prices and mortgage rates have made houses more affordable, sales are still depressed after the worst recession in seven decades. "Housing is going to remain dead in the water" through the middle of next year, says Mark Vitner, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities. Story on D5.

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Toys R Us is making a play for last-minute shoppers - and anyone interested in buying an "Iron Man" action figure at 3 in the morning. The company is staying open 24 hours a day leading up to Christmas Eve, when it will close at 10 p.m. In all, Toys R Us will be open 88 straight hours - a first for the company. The retailer, with more than 20 Bay Area locations, is trying to build momentum as it prepares for an initial public offering next year.